Ondine brings us the release of Rachmaninov's All-Night Vigil follows several earlier releases featuring the acclaimed Latvian Radio Choir under its Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sigvards Klava. Inspired by the words, music and atmosphere of Russian Orthodox worship, Rachmaninov created with his Liturgy of St John Chrysostom (ODE 1151-5) and his All-Night Vigil two supreme examples of choral writing but also music of uplifting spiritual strength. As instruments are being proscribed by Church law, the All-Night Vigil is composed for unaccompanied voices but Rachmaninov created a work of such richness that could be described as "choral orchestration". Featuring the Latvian Radio Choir, who Gramophone praised as an "...outstanding body of singers." - Gramophone

The Times, 17th November 2012Under the masterly direction of Sigvards Klava, the Latvians display the barrel-chested Slavonic tonal resources Rachmaninov would have expected - sepulchral basses, soft-grained but strong sopranos, tenors who soar without strain - but also a precision alien to Russian choirs.

International Record Review, December 2012You would need to go far to hear a richer, more rounded alto section than this. They are supported by a wonderfully firm bass line...you want to single out each section for particular praise: the gloriously clear-toned and vital sopranos an the ardent, sweet-voiced tenor section.

Gramophone Magazine, February 2013Klava's interpretation doesn't give the sensation of dragging...He carefully draws out every dramatic nuance from this choral feast. His two dozen singers produce a well-nourished tutti and sound like a much larger group...There is a wonderfully kaleidoscopic (though carefully graded) palette of vocal colours throughout...The Latvians' unanimity of attack is well-nigh perfect...This is a sublimely beautiful yet rapturous recording.

BBC Music Magazine, March 2013the Rachmaninov of Latvia's outstanding professional choir presents a golden mean between the uniquely open-throated but not always pitch-perfect Glinka Choir of the hallowed St Petersburg tradition, and the more reserved tones of English choral contenders...this performance is a remarkable achievement.